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The February 8, 2018 Profit Radar Report published the following chart and commentary:

“The S&P 500 moved from the yellow zone into the green buy. Does that mean it’s time to buy? It depends on the time frame. Short-term, potentially yes. The hourly chart shows a 5-wave decline into today’s low. A completed 5-wave move, according to Elliott Wave Theory, generally projects a bounce followed by another leg lower. There were many extended fifth waves on the way up, so there is a distinct possibility that there will be extended fifth waves on the way down.”

As it turns out, wave 5 did extend lower and hit the wave 5 target projected on the chart the next day.

As mentioned in the February 8 commentary, a 5-wave decline is generally followed by another leg lower. However, the rally from the February 9 low at 2,532.69 is not clearly corrective.

New Highs or Relapse

The chart below identifies the next key levels to watch. Corrective rallies tend to retrace no more than 61.8% of the prior decline. The 61.8% resistance level for the S&P 500 is at 2,743. Red trend line resistance (going back to April 2016) is at 2,723.

Thus far, the rally from the February 9 low has been strong in terms of price (170+ points in 4 days), but not necessarily breadth. As the lower graph shows, the percentage of advancing NYSE stocks barely exceeded 70 the last week.

That’s not weak per say, but also not unequivocally strong. A day or two of 80%+ readings would have been more indicative of a sustainable rally.

In short, how the S&P reacts to the 2,723 – 2,743 resistance cluster should provided clues about whether stocks will relapse to test their panic lows or move toward new all-time highs.

What caused the February meltdown? If you are looking for another strong opinion, sorry, you won’t find it here.

Before we address the more important issue – whether now is the time to buy or sell – here is one tell-tale sign (of what contributed to the ‘meltdown’) brought out by the January 29 Profit Radar Report.

“On Friday, the S&P 500 jumped more than 1% to a new all-time high with less than 55% of stocks advancing, another one of those unusual events. The only other times this happened was once in 1987 and thrice in 1999. All four events were followed by minor 2-8% immediate corrections, and eventually big corrections and bear markets.”

Since much of the recent market action happened overnight, we’ll first be looking at the S&P 500 futures chart, which includes overnight trading activity.

The February 5 and 6 Profit Radar Reports published the chart below and stated: “Based on the extremely oversold readings, a bounce is becoming highly likely. S&P 500 futures tested the 200-day SMA and 38.2% Fibonacci. From high to low, the S&P 500 futures lost 12.14%. This is already more than the 5-10% correction we anticipated and close to the 14.38% loss (on average based on the last 4 cycles) leading into the mid-term low (see 2018 S&P 500 Forecast).”

The S&P 500 cash index looks a little different, as the pullback was ‘only’ 9.74%.

Here is one reason why we expect eventual all-time highs: RSI-2 was overbought, which suggested risk, but RSI-35 confirmed the January 26 all-time high.

RSI-35 also confirmed the December 2016 and March 2017 highs. As we mentioned many times in recent years, stocks rarely ever carve out a major top at peek momentum.

Conclusion

This clearly is a market that plays by its own rules (the rules are: there are no rules). Nevertheless, nearly all our studies and indicators suggest a resumption of the bull market once this correction is over.

S&P 500 futures already met our down side target, the S&P 500 cash index not yet. Ideally we’ll see a test of the panic low with a bullish divergence for a higher probability buy signal.

Either way, we consider this a buy the dip market. Continued updates and trade recommendation are available via the Profit Radar Report.

Simon Maierhofer is the founder of iSPYETF and the publisher of the Profit Radar Report. Barron’s rated iSPYETF as a “trader with a good track record” (click here for Barron’s profile of the Profit Radar Report). The Profit Radar Report presents complex market analysis (S&P 500, Dow Jones, gold, silver, euro and bonds) in an easy format. Technical analysis, sentiment indicators, seasonal patterns and common sense are all wrapped up into two or more easy-to-read weekly updates. All Profit Radar Report recommendations resulted in a 59.51% net gain in 2013, 17.59% in 2014, and 24.52% in 2015.

Follow Simon on Twitter @ iSPYETF or sign up for the FREE iSPYETF Newsletter to get actionable ETF trade ideas delivered for free.

The S&P 500 just traded in the ‘sweet spot zone’ for over 350 days. What is the sweet spot zone?

It’s above the 200-day SMA, but not more than 10% above the 200-day SMA. While in the sweet spot zone, the S&P has steadily moved higher without overheating. This is extremely rare.

In fact, there are only two other periods similar to this (1965, 1994). Both times the S&P ended the streak by falling below the 200-day SMA. On January 5, for the first time ever, the S&P broke higher (see chart below). What does it mean when the S&P goes from ‘not too hot’ to ‘hot’?

From Not Too Hot to Hot

The research below was originally published in the January 7 Profit Radar Report. At the time (January 7), the S&P 500 recorded 4 consecutive up days and closed at 2,743. The S&P added two more up days, bringing the total to 6 consecutive daily gains to start the year. What’s the implication of such a strong start?

Since 1960, the S&P 500 has opened the year with 4 consecutive up days 8 other times (see table).

The thumbnail charts below show performance from December 1 before the first-4-day-of-January spurt to December 31 thereafter). By the end of the year, the S&P was higher every single time (1987 – 1988 was the smallest gain with only 0.2%).

50% of the time (the last 4 times), the S&P fell below the January 1 open at some point during the year.

Based on history, a strong start to January is bullish for the remainder of the year. The risk of a correction throughout the year is 50%.

There is no substitute for knowlege! Be the best informed investor you know, sign up for the Profit Radar Report.

Simon Maierhofer is the founder of iSPYETF and the publisher of the Profit Radar Report. Barron’s rated iSPYETF as a “trader with a good track record” (click here for Barron’s profile of the Profit Radar Report). The Profit Radar Report presents complex market analysis (S&P 500, Dow Jones, gold, silver, euro and bonds) in an easy format. Technical analysis, sentiment indicators, seasonal patterns and common sense are all wrapped up into two or more easy-to-read weekly updates. All Profit Radar Report recommendations resulted in a 59.51% net gain in 2013, 17.59% in 2014, and 24.52% in 2015.

Follow Simon on Twitter @ iSPYETF or sign up for the FREE iSPYETF Newsletter to get actionable ETF trade ideas delivered for free.

2017 was one of the most unique years ever, not just for the stock market, also in terms of world events and natural catastrophes.

An almost unprecedented phenomenon was that of strong stock market momentum.

The November 19, 2017 Profit Radar Report pointed out that:

“The S&P 500 was higher 8 of the first 9 months of 2017. This has only happened 8 other times (1936, 1950, 1954, 1958, 1964, 1995, 1996, 2006). 2, 3, 6, and 12 month later the S&P was higher every time but one (0.7% loss 2 month later in 1964).Such strong momentum readings (and they are seen across all time frames) are extremely rare. As mentioned back in December 2016 and March 2017, stocks rarely ever top at peek momentum. We have to go back to 1995/96 to find similarly strong and persistent up side momentum.”

Strong momentum was in direct contrast to some of the oddest breadth readings ever, also mentioned by the November 19, 2017 PRR:

“Despite stocks hovering near all-time highs, there have almost been as many stocks with bearish extremes (new 52-week lows or oversold RSI) as bullish extremes (52-week highs or overbought RSI). This happened on multiple days. For example:

Last week more than 8% of stocks had a RSI reading above 70 (overbought). At the same time more than 8% of stocks had a RSI reading below 30 (oversold).

The week before last week saw a lot of buying and selling climaxes at the same time.

At some point last week, 4% of stocks registered new 52-week lows while 30% of S&P 500 stocks fell below their 200-day SMA. That’s dispite stocks being near their all-time high.

This kind of split market is rare (when it occurs near all-time highs) and historically unhealthy (it triggered a cluster of Hindenburg signals). Similar (bad) breadth readings existed 11 other times since 1998. 1, 2 and 3 month later the S&P 500 was down 76% of the time.”

Reconciling Conflicting Indicators

There was no easy way to reconcile the conflict among indicators, but the November 19 PRR concluded that: “Therefore it seems more likely that momentum (supported by seasonality) will trump breadth and push prices higher in coming weeks.”

At times like these, it’s often best to use simple trend lines as arbitrator. The November 28, 2017 Profit Radar Report pointed out a Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) breakout (see chart) and stated:

“The DJIA closed for the first time above the (now) green trend line going back to April 2016 (blue circle). As long as trade remains above the trend line, we’ll allow for further gains.”

On December 15, the S&P 500 closed above its respective trend line, and the Profit Radar Report stated: “The S&P 500 closed above the red trend line for the first time (similar to the DJIA on November 28). While above this trend line, gains may continue (even accelerate).”

An up side target in the low to mid 2,700s was given (and already exceeded).

Outlook

Stocks are now at a position similar to December 13, 2016, and March 2017, when the PRR pointed out that: “Stocks rarely ever top at peak momentum.”

Of course, stocks are now also overbought and have become over-loved. This means there is a fair amount of short-term risk. However, it will take some down side ‘escape velocity’ to break the up side momentum and spook investors.

Simon Maierhofer is the founder of iSPYETF and the publisher of the Profit Radar Report. Barron’s rated iSPYETF as a “trader with a good track record” (click here for Barron’s profile of the Profit Radar Report). The Profit Radar Report presents complex market analysis (S&P 500, Dow Jones, gold, silver, euro and bonds) in an easy format. Technical analysis, sentiment indicators, seasonal patterns and common sense are all wrapped up into two or more easy-to-read weekly updates. All Profit Radar Report recommendations resulted in a 59.51% net gain in 2013, 17.59% in 2014, and 24.52% in 2015.

Follow Simon on Twitter @ iSPYETF or sign up for the FREE iSPYETF Newsletter to get actionable ETF trade ideas delivered for free.

The January 2 Profit Radar Report published this chart and long-term US Dollar Index forecast:

“The US Dollar Index could be at or near the end of a 5 ½ year rally. As per Elliott Wave Theory, it is possible to count 5 waves up from the May 2011 low. There are bearish divergences at the December highs, and investor sentiment is in favor of a lower dollar. We are alert for a potential multi-month US dollar decline.”

As it turns out, the US Dollar Index actually peaked on January 3, and spent the next 8 months falling lower.

In August/September we were expecting a bottom, but at the time we were not sure how big of a bounce to expect.

In November it became clear that the rally from the September 8 low to the October 27 high was only 3 waves, a first indication that the dollar bounce was over (a 5-wave move higher would have marked a trend change according to Elliott Wave Theory).

The chart below reflects the most likely Elliott Wave Theory count, which projects a more significant low in early 2018.

Smart money dollar hedgers are near record long the dollar, which could lead to a more sustainable rally even before the dollar reaches new lows (a solid close above 95 prior to a new low would suggest that the wave 5 low is already in).

However, hedgers are often early and may become even more bullish in the coming weeks. The lower the dollar falls, the better the buy signal.

The October 4 Profit Radar Report said all there was to know about gold for the weeks to come: “Support for gold is at 1,245 – 1,260. Resistance is at 1,298 – 1,304. For now, gold is likely to trade between support and resistance.”

Gold is pushing the upper boundary of the outlined trading range, but thus far there’s been no breakout. Silver failed to confirm gold’s push higher, which can be a warning signal. On balance volume has been increasing, which is a positive. Nevertheless, we would view a break above 1,307 with suspicion.

Continued forecasts for the US Dollar, EUR/USD, gold and silver are available via the Profit Radar Report.

Simon Maierhofer is the founder of iSPYETF and the publisher of the Profit Radar Report. Barron’s rated iSPYETF as a “trader with a good track record” (click here for Barron’s profile of the Profit Radar Report). The Profit Radar Report presents complex market analysis (S&P 500, Dow Jones, gold, silver, euro and bonds) in an easy format. Technical analysis, sentiment indicators, seasonal patterns and common sense are all wrapped up into two or more easy-to-read weekly updates. All Profit Radar Report recommendations resulted in a 59.51% net gain in 2013, 17.59% in 2014, and 24.52% in 2015.

Follow Simon on Twitter @ iSPYETF or sign up for the FREE iSPYETF Newsletter to get actionable ETF trade ideas delivered for free.

There’s never been a time when articles on iSPYETF.com have been posted at the snail-pace of about one per month … until now.

Unless you are a stock picker, there’s simply been nothing worthwhile to write about.

The October 1 Profit Radar Report warned of just such a period of inactivity:

“The bullish Elliott Wave Theory count would see stocks grind higher for a number of weeks in a 2 steps forward, 1 step back pattern. A real unexciting, unstimulating and uninspiring grind higher to 2,600+/-. Unless the S&P drops below 2,500, this is now the most likely outcome.”

This ‘real unexciting, unstimulating and uninspiring grind higher to 2,600+/-‘ has already lasted more than 7 weeks.

The Clearest Chart Right Now

One of the best tell-tale since during this 7-week period came from the Russell 2000. The chart and commentary below were published in the November 15 Profit Radar Report:

“The Russell 2000 is leaking lower. RSI-2 is now oversold with support around 1,452. The correction since the October 5 high looks like a wave 4. The 38.2% Fibonacci retracement level (a common target for waves 4) is at 1,451.35 (just 3 points below today’s low). The R2K appears to be nearing a bounce, there’s even a possibility today’s low was a more sizeable low.”

Below is an updated Russell 2000 chart. Trade touched support around 1,450 on November 15, and rallied strongly. The minimum requirement for wave 5 is to reach new highs (which it already did), but the convergence of resistance levels around 1,542 (red oval) is the next most logical up side target (higher is also possible).

S&P 500 Update

The S&P 500 has basically reached our up side target around 2,600. The post-Thanksgiving week is seasonally weak, but as long as trade stays above 2,590, the S&P is likely to move towards the next resistance cluster around 2,650.

Continued analysis for the S&P 500, Russell 2000, gold, silver, euro, dollar and other equity indexes is provided via the Profit Radar Report.

Simon Maierhofer is the founder of iSPYETF and the publisher of the Profit Radar Report. Barron’s rated iSPYETF as a “trader with a good track record” (click here for Barron’s profile of the Profit Radar Report). The Profit Radar Report presents complex market analysis (S&P 500, Dow Jones, gold, silver, euro and bonds) in an easy format. Technical analysis, sentiment indicators, seasonal patterns and common sense are all wrapped up into two or more easy-to-read weekly updates. All Profit Radar Report recommendations resulted in a 59.51% net gain in 2013, 17.59% in 2014, and 24.52% in 2015.

Follow Simon on Twitter @ iSPYETF or sign up for the FREE iSPYETF Newsletter to get actionable ETF trade ideas delivered for free.

Gold has been zigzagging up and down for all of 2017. This erratic performance brings a measure of uncertainty, but – in a way – it also increases confidence in our long-term forecast.

Starting in November 2015, the Profit Radar Report expected a sizeable gold rally.

The November 30, 2015 Profit Radar Report published the chart below, which shows gold at quadruple support and record bullish smart money hedgers. An ideal setup for a rally (gold’s final low occurred on December 3, 2015 at 1,045).

The second chart shows the Elliott Wave Theory (EWT) labeling we’ve been following for the past years.

According to EWT, the first wave (comprised of five sub-waves) of the bear market ended in December 2015. The rally since is a counter trend move.

Common Fibonacci target levels for this counter trend rally are 1,381, 1,485 and 1,588. Counter trends are generally more choppy and less predictable, which is true of the rally from December 2015 to September 2017 (this increases confidence in our forecast).

Since we were looking for a move above 1,382, the Profit Radar Report issued a buy signal for gold and gold ETFs like the SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) in November 2015 (gold at 1,088), and in August 2017 (gold at 1282).

On September 8, 2017 gold became overbought and touched the top of the black trend channel. Smart money hedgers (which were record bullish at the December 2015 low) turned significantly more bearish (see daily chart).

For those reasons, the Profit Radar Report issued a sell signal on September 5, 2017.

We don’t have a down side target for the current pullback (yet), but the lack of a bearish RSI-divergence at the September 8 high and failure to reach or exceed Fibonacci resistance at 1,381 suggests gold will take another stab at new recovery highs.

The daily chart insert illustrates gold seasonality for the remainder of 2017.

Simon Maierhofer is the founder of iSPYETF and the publisher of the Profit Radar Report. Barron’s rated iSPYETF as a “trader with a good track record” (click here for Barron’s profile of the Profit Radar Report). The Profit Radar Report presents complex market analysis (S&P 500, Dow Jones, gold, silver, euro and bonds) in an easy format. Technical analysis, sentiment indicators, seasonal patterns and common sense are all wrapped up into two or more easy-to-read weekly updates. All Profit Radar Report recommendations resulted in a 59.51% net gain in 2013, 17.59% in 2014, and 24.52% in 2015.

Follow Simon on Twitter @ iSPYETF or sign up for the FREE iSPYETF Newsletter to get actionable ETF trade ideas delivered for free.